13 WARNING SIGNS YOU’RE HEADING FOR A BURNOUT

If you are feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily stresses, you could be heading for burnout, previously known as ‘nervous breakdown’.

You are not alone! Here’s what to watch for, and how to get help.

Medical professionals have replaced the term ‘nervous breakdown' with more specific mental health conditions that may underlie it, but it generally refers to not being able to cope with everyday life to the extent that extreme emotional and/or physical stress prevents one from functioning normally.

COMMON CAUSES We all have different ways of coping with stress, so there’s no way to measure how much or what kind of stress will cause a mental breakdown in any particular person. But ongoing stress can be a trigger – things like long-term financial problems, unpleasant working conditions, a chronic illness or caring for a disabled or terminally ill family member can all cause ‘the final straw’ that leads to collapse or breakdown. Other possible causes include a sudden traumatic event like the death of a loved one or a major life change such as divorce.

It doesn't help to compare yourself to other people – just because your neighbour runs her own business, always feeds her family healthy meals and serves on the school parents' group, all while nursing her sick gogo for months, you don't have to feel bad because you get home exhausted by work stress and can't cook. The important thing is to realise when you're reaching your own level of not coping.

WHEN TO GET HELPIf you are experiencing more than three of the symptoms below, the short answer is ‘right now’! Everyone experiences some of these symptoms at some time, but if you’re feeling close to the edge, talk to someone – a close friend or trusted family member can help you decide if you need to see a doctor, or maybe join a support group (see directory, right). A doctor can diagnose an underlying condition like depression or anxiety, and give you medicines to help you cope. A psychologist or social worker can help assess your work and home situation, and suggest coping strategies or changes. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sensible and practical thing to do before everything collapses.

QUICK FACTS* There are no statistics for ‘nervous breakdown’ because it’s not a medical condition, but in one American study 26% of people who took part claimed to be on the verge of a breakdown.* According to the World Health Organisation, one in four people will be affected by a mental health disorder at some stage of their lives, but approximately two-thirds don't seek medical treatment, even when it is readily available. This is possibly due to mistaken beliefs about mental illness being a sign of weakness – but it is no ‘weaker' to have mental problems than it is to have a heart condition, diabetes or allergies.

WHAT TO WATCH FORThe symptoms are varied and sometimes surprising:

Eating too much – we all know about comfort eating helping to give us a lift when we’re feeling low, but constant eating can be the body’s way of preparing for ‘flight’ from ongoing stress.